Recommended holiday activities

Event

The Design of Frank Carpay, Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, 10am-5pm. Dutch emigre Frank Carpay is best known for his modernist-inspired Crown Lynn ceramic designs. He worked for the famous and now-defunct ceramic giant from 1953 to 1956. But he also did hand-printed fabrics, screen-printed beach towels and beach bags.

Beach

Piha, Piha Rd. This black-sand west coast beach has a reputation for being hazardous. Its strong surf means you really should pay attention to the flags and swim between them.

Children

Inline skating along Tamaki Drive. This is where those expert at inline skating go to show off their prowess on wheels, and those not so adept go to trip and fall. Pad up well, and watch the pedestrians. You can hire skates from Ferg's Inline Skate Hire, 12 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay. $15 for the first hour then $5 each hour after that.

Tramp/Walk

Le Roy's Bush, 12 Le Roy Tce, Birkenhead. There are also entrances at 32 Hinemoa St and 210 Onewa Rd. Lose the noises of the city on the good paths with the sound of tui and wood pigeons.

Fishing

South Kaipara. Drive 24km north-east of Helensville to the Shelly Beach Wharf. Dawn and night are the most productive times for snapper and trevally but during the day an incoming tide presents opportunities for kahawai, small sharks and stingrays. Most successful baits are mullet, pilchard, bonito and cockles. Rig the line below the sinker so the bait moves freely in the current. Watch out for flying hooks when other fishers cast. Handy to picnic spots, playground and a store.

Joke

Do you know the difference between a consultant and a supermarket trolley?

Well, at least a supermarket trolley has a mind of its own. But you can fit more food and wine into a consultant.

Send us a family-friendly joke. Email your name and details to newsdesk.